EXPLANATION:

The Epson Print Plug-In has been engineered specifically for the popular Adobe® Photoshop® CS and Elements products, to make multiple-image printing easier than ever. Designed for the Epson Stylus Pro 3800, Stylus Pro 3880 and Stylus Photo A3+ printers, the plug-in provides users with enhanced functionality and flexibility, making colour-managed printing quicker and easier.

As an independent resource, the Epson Print Plug-In allows users to switch easily between its interface and Photoshop. This allows you to add images to the multi-image print easily and keep temporary images for reprint even if the plug-in window is closed. For many users, this functionality is highly valuable and could significantly enhance productivity. The Epson interface splits the printing workflow into three steps; image selection, layout selection/definition and printer settings and previewing, making the printing process simple and efficient. The window of each step is modular and can be minimised to optimise space on-screen.

+Epson Print Plug-In runs in the 32-bit mode of Photoshop on a 64-bit version of Mac OS X.

Installation note: The plug-in module is usually installed in the standard plug-in folder for each Adobe software product. If you changed the standard plug-in folder, you need to install the plug-in module in the changed folder.

The layout function automates the layout process, allowing users to select from three layout types; template, index and free layout, which can be arranged over multiple pages. Over 170 templates, ranging from credit card sizes to A2 are available as standard and users can even create custom templates and save them for regular use. Once the layout is selected, images are simply dragged and dropped into the template and can even be cropped as needed.

The flexible workflow offered by the Epson Print Plug-In ensures maximum usability, making batch printing for projects such as exhibitions, calendars or portfolios quick and easy. As the plug-in is independent of Photoshop, images can be loaded in succession and the interface can be used to check and compare the various stages of editing.

Is Mac OS 10.6 (Snow Leopard) supported?

Is Mac OS 10.7 (Lion) supported?

Yes, providing that you download and install version 1.15 or higher. It is not supported with earlier versions.

Are Adobe Photoshop CS5 and Adobe Elements 9.0 supported?

Yes, Photoshop CS5 and Elements 9.0 are supported providing that you download and install version 1.13 or higher. However, CS5.1 is supported from version 1.17 (Windows) and 1.18 (Mac OS X). See Epson Print Plug-In key features summary (above) for a full list of the supported Adobe Photoshop and Elements versions.

How do I install and start Epson Print Plug-In for use with my installed Adobe® software?

Download the Epson Print Plug-In for your Epson printer. Make sure you have already installed the printer driver. For Macintosh systems, make sure the printer has been added to the printer list in Print & Fax or Print and Scan.

Open your compatible Adobe® software from Programs/Applications folder. For 64-bit versions of Mac OS X, you must launch the Adobe application in 32-bit mode to run the plug-in. To do this, select the Open in 32-bit mode checkbox from the application's Get Info menu (for more information, see the Adobe website).

Next, open the image(s) you wish to work on, (an image must be opened to continue), then go to File > Automate > Epson Print Plug-In.

You will see the Epson Print Plug-In dialog and be asked if you want to transfer only selected or all images. Make your selection and click OK.

The Epson Print Plug-In interface loads, displaying three separate frames reflecting the three stages of the printing workflow. Your selected images are displayed in the Browse frame on the left. You can drag an image to the Layout frame in the middle where you can select and define the layout of your image(s). The Print frame on the right allows you to select your print settings and preview the print by clicking on the Print Settings button.

Supported colour management engines

To make use of the Adobe Color Engine (ACE), the Adobe Color Management Module (CMM) must be installed. If it is not installed, the 'Adobe CMM' option will be greyed out and unavailable for selection. If you find that the module is not installed, you can download it from the Adobe website via one of the links below.

Can I select custom ICC profiles from within the Epson Print Plug-In user interface?

Yes. Colour management can be automated for both direct colour management using the printer driver, and ICC profile-based colour management. Users can also specify their own ICC profiles for specific print media. The preview function provides a fast and easy way to proof the final print layout before printing begins.

To specify your own ICC profile, click on the round Print button in the Print frame on the right. The print preview appears. In the Paper Type / Print Mode section, click on the jaw wrench/spanner icon (Show color mode settings) next to the drop-down menu beside Color (under Mode).

You can select "Direct Color Management" or "ICC Profile Management". To specify your own profile, select ICC Profile Management. Printer ICC profiles can either be selected automatically or assigned manually. For the automatic setting, you can create your own settings by selecting Profile Settings. Select your rendering intent as appropriate (generally we recommend Perceptual or Relative Colorimetric).

When using the manual ICC profile selection you need to assign the correct profile. Select Printer ICC Profile -> Manual -> Assign -> Select Profile. You will then be able to select your custom profile from the window that appears.

Further guidance

For further and detailed guidance on all aspects of Epson Print Plug-In, please refer to the in-program help documentation. To access this, select Help > Print Plug-In for Photoshop Help in the Epson Print Plug-In window.